All three of them then left the courtroom through the internal exit, avoiding the public section of the building.

Janner was released on unconditional bail with the next hearing to be held at Southwark Crown Court on September 1.

He was forced to attend the hearing after two senior judges ruled that an appearance by the 87-year-old former Labour peer and MP must take place because of ‘the obvious and strong public interest in ensuring those summoned to court attend when required’.

Earlier today Janner’s lawyer Paul Ozin argued that he should be allowed to appear via video link at the magistrates’ court, from his home.

Janner of Springfield Avenue, in Muswell Hill, North London is accused of 15 counts of indecent assault and seven counts of a separate sexual offence offence, against a total of nine complainants.

Janner returned to his north London home just after 3pm accompanied by his daughter and Mr Ozin.

Wearing the cap and a dark blue jacket, he was helped out of the car and up the steps to his house by his daughter, who attempted to reassure him.